The Los Angeles LGBT Center will host its next ‘Stand Down’ for veterans and active service members on Saturday, September 15, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza in Hollywood. With more than 30 organizations for veterans and seniors participating, the biannual event provides free services and referrals in various areas including VA enrollment, CalVet benefits, VA benefits, education, housing, legal, employment, medical, and mental health. The fair is open to all veterans and active service members and is not limited to the LGBT veteran community.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is scheduled to speak and will be joined by Los Angeles LGBT CEO Lorri L. Jean, Secretary of CalVet Vito Imbasciani, M.D., and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve veteran William Duckworth (Ret.).
In 1993 the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law barred openly LGBT persons from military service. When it was officially repealed in 2011, many service members who were dishonorably discharged due to their sexual orientation became eligible for benefits yet many of them, traumatized from their experiences, opted out of accessing VA services.
“Our Stand Downs create a safe environment for all who served, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and connects them with peers and allies who have shared similar experiences during their service,” explains Yelba Carrillo, M.Ed Psy, MSW, manager of social services for the Center’s Senior Services. “Most importantly, the resources provided at our Stand Downs help our veterans obtain the quality of life they deserve.”
A Color Guard procession will officially open the Stand Down. Lunch and entertainment provided.
WHAT: Veteran Stand Down
The Los Angeles LGBT Center hosts its biannual resource fair for all veterans and active service members to enroll in VA benefits and obtain information about an array of life-enhancing services such as education, housing, employment, medical, and mental health.
WHO: Lorri L. Jean, CEO, Los Angeles LGBT Center
Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles
Dr. Vito Imbasciani, Secretary, CalVet
William Duckworth, U.S.M.C.R. (Ret.)
WHEN: Saturday, September 15
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
WHERE: Los Angeles LGBT Center
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza
1125 N. McCadden Place
Los Angeles 90038
(One block east of Highland Ave.; just north of Santa Monica Blvd.)
NOTE: During construction of the Center’s new facility directly across the street from The Village, free parking is limited. Limited parking is available at our Highland Annex located at 1220 Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038 (one block north of The Village). Please allow extra time to find parking or choose public transportation or a ride service.
COST: FREE
For more information, visit lalgbtcenter.org/standdown.
